Simple Tips for Spring Entertaining

I received compensation from BHG at Walmart for my participation in the BHG Live Better Network.  However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. #BHGLiveBetter

Spring is one of my favorite times of the year to invite friends over for outdoor eating.  The weather is warm but not too hot, the bugs haven’t yet made their full debut, and outdoor living is calling my name.  Plus, outdoor entertaining is just easy.  Check out these simple tips for spring entertaining then hop on the phone and invite a few friends over this weekend!

After the dull tones of winter, spring is the perfect time to embrace color.  Use vibrant dishes, plain and patterned, patterned tablecloths, and bold, colorful napkins on the table.  With so much color on the table, you can get away with a very simple centerpiece, making the tablescape easy.  Walmart carries all these fabulous items and Walmart.com is also a great resource for tablescape items!

Create ambience with light.  Drape string lights above the table or add a pretty lantern with a sweet smelling candle for soft light to set the mood.

Whether you’re entertaining indoors or out {or wandering through both settings}, melamine dishes are the perfect fit.  The gorgeous patterns available add such a fun flair to a party.  Mix and match solids with patterns for a fun look.

Don’t let a lack of outdoor furniture stop you.  I have a really great outdoor living space {click through to see all the details} but I also love to set up makeshift areas to create a completely different mood.  Drag a coffee table outside, use a few small side tables to create eating areas, or set two benches side by side on the grass, drape them with a tablecloth, and surround them with cushions for an intimate setting.  So easy, right?  Sometimes it’s just about thinking outside the box.

Think outside the box when it comes to serving pieces too!  While we’d all love to have cake stands in every style and lots of fun platters, it isn’t practical for most of us.  Who has the storage for all those pieces?  Instead, turn regular dishes into the items you need by stacking and layering different pieces.  A plate stacked on top of two different sized bowls make the perfect cake stand …

… and a small dish in the center of a plate is perfect for vegetables and dip or chips and dip.  When the party’s over, separate the dishes, wash them, and stack them in the cupboard for the next use.

In addition to colorful plates and dishes, I also love to throw in some really adaptable pieces.  Large clear bowls go with everything and can be used for chips, salads, or cut fruit.  The versatility makes them perfect for spring entertaining.

Want my secret for super simple spring entertaining?  Hit the market for ready-made food.  If you want to add your own touch, whip up a homemade dip for veggies or add a fun topping to the cupcakes.  Semi-homemade makes entertaining so easy.

And one final idea for outdoor spring entertaining.  Skip the bouquet of flowers from the grocery store and use perennial plants or pots of fresh herbs as a centerpiece.  When the party’s over, the potted plants can be used in your outdoor decor and enjoyed all spring and summer!

What are your favorite spring entertaining ideas?

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